Hey there! Squeaks and I were outside looking at the night sky when Squeaks noticed something interesting. It was a light moving steadily across the sky. It wasn’t blinking like an airplane or shooting like a meteor. So, what could it be? It was probably a satellite!
Satellites are objects that orbit, or go around, planets or stars. Some satellites are natural, like the Moon, which orbits Earth. But when most people talk about satellites, they mean the ones humans have made and sent into space. These man-made satellites are like spaceships that circle the Earth. They usually have a computer and solar panels to get power from the Sun. Some even have cameras or scientific tools to gather information.
The first satellite sent into space was called Sputnik, launched in 1957. It was about the size of a beach ball! Now, there are more than 2,000 satellites orbiting Earth. It’s amazing to think about so many things moving around our planet!
Satellites have many important jobs. Scientists use them to study Earth by taking pictures and collecting data. This helps us learn about the temperature of the oceans and changes in glaciers and ice. Satellites also help meteorologists, who study the weather, to track big storms like hurricanes.
But it’s not just scientists who use satellites. We benefit from them too! When you use a map on your phone or in a car, satellites help figure out where you are and how to get to your destination. Some TVs and phones use satellites to send information across long distances. For example, satellite TV sends signals to a satellite, which then sends them to our homes.
The biggest satellite orbiting Earth is the International Space Station (ISS). It’s as large as a football field, and astronauts live there! Usually, six astronauts stay on the ISS for about six months, conducting cool science experiments that can’t be done on Earth.
Squeaks and I realized that what we saw moving across the sky was probably the ISS! You can see it too on a clear night if it’s flying over your area shortly after sunset. It looks like a small point of light moving steadily across the sky without blinking.
Next time you hear a weather report or use a map, think about the satellites helping us. And keep an eye out for the ISS next time it zooms by! Thanks for joining us, and if you want to keep learning and having fun with Squeaks and me, hit the subscribe button. See you next time at the Fort!
Satellite Spotting Adventure: On a clear night, go outside with a parent or guardian and try to spot a satellite in the sky. Look for a steady light moving across the sky without blinking. Can you find the International Space Station? Use a satellite tracking app or website to help you know when and where to look. Draw a picture of what you see and share it with your class!
Create Your Own Satellite Model: Use craft materials like paper, cardboard, and foil to build your own model of a satellite. Think about what parts your satellite needs, like solar panels or antennas. Once you’ve built your model, explain to a friend or family member what your satellite does and how it helps people on Earth.
Weather Watchers: Keep a weather diary for a week. Each day, write down the weather and any changes you notice. Discuss with your class how satellites might have helped meteorologists predict the weather. Can you think of other ways satellites help us in our daily lives?
